I don't think I can explain Joe B., but I hope him, and one of our local tv mets learned something in this storm, and that is not to represent anything as fact as far as a 5 day forecast.
I must preface by saying I have ties to the NWS as I am a Skywarn Spotter, and I report climate obs (Type A station) also, and have had various contacts with NWS mets for quite a while, and it has given me a great deal of respect for what they do, and how tough their job is. In fact, on an issue, my bias is to side with them. I have disagreed with their forecasts before, and probably will in the future, sometimes that will be right, sometimes not. Fortunately, it is usually not over something as serious as a cat 3+ storm, in which case i always defer to the experts.
Disclaimer out of the way, the WPHL (I think that's their ID) said a few days ago that we would not see any effects whatsoever from Ivan, as a cold front was going to push south (of NJ) and keep it down there. Pittsburgh got 5 inches of rain, Philly suburbs several inches of rain, and numerous tornadoes in S.C. Pa, and N.C Md.
I stated on here that I felt that was an irresponsible report, and I disagreed with it, and gave my reasons, which did verify. His mistake was making a bold forecast with authority when HE DIDN"T NEED TO.
As far as JB, he also DIDN"T NEED TO say cat II or better in S. Fla. for Jeanne in the time frame he did. One of his co-workers was so emphatic on Greta one night, I posted in disgust. I hope they continue to trend away from Fla, and while nothing is resolved definitively, their scenario isn't working out right now.
They have probably gotten more right than I ever have, but it doesn't excuse certain things.
I hope that those mentioned in the above examples learn something from this-1 instance, an all-clear from bad weather was given incorrectly, and the other, a "warning" was given that didn't verify.
The first example is a little more forgivable because the next night he can recant, especially that far out, but example no. 2....
Again, I am doing some venting, if it is not seen as pertinent to the board, feel free to delete......but I do feel a little better.